News release: Student Complaint

Abstract

The University of Central Lancashire has some of the best support services in the
country for students with disabilities. At any one time, there may be 20 or more
students with impaired vision who are supported by the University so that they can
complete their studies effectively and successfully. The University has worked with
the RNIB for many years to help such students get the most out of their time at the
University.
In September 1999, one student did not receive all the support he needed immediately
at the start of the academic year. The student pursued this and a range of other
grievances for over a year, until October 2001, when he accepted just over £8000
from the University as a settlement of all his complaints. This reimbursed the costs he
had incurred whilst studying (including the cost of a laptop computer) and the legal
fees he had run up with two firms of solicitors, and it included a goodwill payment to
acknowledge the disruption to his studies.
An internal inquiry noted shortcomings on both sides. It acknowledged that the
University could have acted more quickly in September 1999, but also pointed out
that when the student received the support that was due to him, he did not use it all.
-ends-
Issued by the University of Central Lancashire, 30 November 2001
Contact: Martin Horrox, 01772 892370, email mhorrox@uclan.ac.uk